Indonesian TikToker Faces Legal Consequences After Controversial Video.

Indonesian TikToker Faces Legal Consequences After Controversial Video.

Asif Iqbal | September 20, 2023 | 05:06 PM IST | Breaking News, Crime, World | Follow on Google News

Indonesian TikToker Faces Legal Consequences After Controversial Video. Pic/representational

An Indonesian TikToker, Lina Lutfiawati, has recently been handed a two-year prison sentence for a video she posted on TikTok earlier this year. This headline-making verdict comes in response to a video where Lina uttered an Islamic phrase before consuming pork, a highly controversial act given the religious sensitivities in Indonesia.

The Controversial TikTok Video That Sparked Outrage

In the video that garnered millions of views on TikTok in March, Lina can be seen reciting a Muslim prayer, which translates to “in the name of God,” just before indulging in pork skin. This clip was recorded during her trip to Bali, where she decided to try pork out of curiosity. Her actions were met with widespread criticism, with many accusing her of knowingly violating Islamic dietary laws. Conservative groups across Indonesia went further, branding the video as “blasphemous.” It’s important to note that pork is strictly forbidden in Islam, the predominant religion in Indonesia.

Guilty Verdict and a Hefty Fine

Lina Lutfiawati’s legal ordeal reached its climax when she was found guilty of “spreading information aimed at inciting hatred against religious individuals and specific groups” during a court hearing in the South Sumatra city of Palembang. Alongside her two-year prison sentence, she was also ordered to pay a substantial fine of $16,245 (Rs 13,48,111). Failure to pay the fine could result in an additional three-month extension of her jail term. The severity of the punishment took Lina by surprise, as she expressed her remorse for her actions, albeit too late.

From TikTok Stardom to Legal Troubles: The Multifaceted Lina Lutfiawati

Beyond her TikTok fame, Lina Lutfiawati has a fondness for Bollywood movies and even adopted the Indian name Lina Mukherjee. With over two million TikTok followers, she also runs a business in India, demonstrating her influence and reach across borders. This legal case against her is just one in a series of high-profile blasphemy convictions in recent years, highlighting the complex intersection of social media, religious sensitivities, and freedom of expression in Indonesia.

Amnesty International’s Perspective on Blasphemy Laws

Usman Hamid, the executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, has raised concerns about the abuse of blasphemy laws in Indonesia. He contends that these laws have been weaponized to target minority groups and dissenters, raising important questions about the balance between religious freedom and freedom of speech in the country.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.